Background Checks: All new applicants are required to complete a background check including fingerprints, unless you already hold a license with us issued after July 1, 2000. Click here for additional information and packet ordering. Iowa Graduates: Iowa colleges will recommend their graduates for licensure once all of the coursework and experience requirements have been met. Licenses will be issued within 48 hours after we receive the recommendation if all of the application materials have been received, including fees, cleared background check (if necessary), transcripts, and experience verification. Out-of-State: applicants must obtain administrative licensure in the state of the preparation program, obtain an institutional statement, official transcripts showing the conferred degree, and verify the required teaching and/or administrative experience. Please see the application checklist for more information. You will need to complete the evaluator training specific to Iowa.

Initial to Professional Administrator License

The BOEE will convert an Initial Administrator license to a Professional Administrator license when the following criteria are met:

The applicant has a valid Initial Administrator License.

The applicant had an administrator contract with the district during the year(s) claimed on the application and was reported on BEDS as an administrator during the year(s) claimed on the application.

The applicant has the required administrative experience of one year in an Iowa public school or two years in a private or out-of-state school.

The applicant completes the conversion application.

Section II on the form (public school experience) completed by supervising administrator stating that the applicant has successfully completed the required 1 year of experience, has successfully completed a mentoring and induction program and, meets or exceeds all Iowa School Leadership Standards.

or

Section III on the form (out of state or non-public school experience) completed by supervising administrator stating that the applicant has successfully completed the required 2 years of experience

$85.00 fee submitted with the application.

Evaluator Approval and Renewal

A person who holds an Iowa teaching or administrative license may add the evaluator endorsement or license. A person who holds a professional service license may also add the evaluator endorsement. A person who holds only a statement of professional recognition may not obtain an evaluator license or endorsement. You must complete iEvaluate for your first evaluator training and may choose either iEvaluate or Assessing Academic Rigor for future renewals.

Administrative Licensure Renewal: Practitioners must complete one of the current evaluator renewal courses. The approved courses include: Assessing Academic Rigor (for two credits) or iEvaluate 1.2 (for two credits) or Fierce Conversations (for two credits.) Please be aware that the renewal of an administrator license, with an evaluator endorsement, requires a total of four semester hours of renewal credit. Renewing your administrator license with one of the approved courses also renews your evaluator approval.

School Business Officials must obtain licensure and be reported on BEDS.
The license types include:

Initial (two-year license) - Associates degree in business or accounting (which includes 9 hours of accounting) OR 60 semester hours of coursework in business or accounting (which includes 9 hours of accounting)

Temporary Initial (one-year license) - Associates degree in business or accounting (which includes 6 hours of accounting) OR 60 semester hours of coursework in business or accounting (which includes 6 hours of accounting)

Note: If the applicant received a temporary school business official authorization, then the initial school business official authorization shall not exceed one year.

SAMS Authorization

A person serving as a school administration manager who will be reported as such on BEDS should hold the SAM authorization. The application is on our website under “licensure form/applications – apply for a new license”. Applicants need to have completed the school administration manager training prior to applying for this authorization.

Hiring New Graduates

Iowa now requires passing test scores on two Praxis II exams or a nationally-scored edTPA exam before candidates are eligible for licensure beginning with graduates after January 1, 2013. No temporary or provisional licensure will be issued without passing test scores. The candidates must pass the approved chosen Iowa assessments using Iowa’s cut scores. Testing requirements can be found at this link: Required Tests and Qualifying Scores. You can also go to the Iowa Department of Education website (www.educateiowa.gov), click “A to Z Index”, click “P”, then “Practitioner Preparation”.

Iowa graduates will not be recommended for licensure without passing test scores. Out-of-state graduates cannot apply for licensure without passing test scores. The Praxis tests are offered once per month to once every three months, so it is highly recommended that you verify passing test scores before offering a position to a new teacher. How can I verify if a teacher may begin teaching?

Check if the person holds an Iowa teaching license by searching the BOEE website: (www.boee.iowa.gov) – click “Search for a license”

If our site shows that the person has a current teaching license, the person may begin working for you in the endorsement areas listed.

What if there is no teaching license listed but the candidate has a folder number?

A folder number only means that part of the application has been submitted.

If there is no teaching license, the person may not begin teaching.

Additional information is needed before the license will be issued – they may have an application in process.

How can I verify this information?

You may contact the BOEE by phone or email. There is a “Contact Us” link on our home page.

We will look to see what information has been submitted.

If all materials have been submitted (including passing test scores) and the BOEE is just waiting for the FBI background check clearance, you may request a temporary permit for this individual.

With a temporary permit, the person may begin teaching.

*If you are considering an out-of-state applicant, verify that they have a valid teaching license from another state (or verification that it is in process), passing Iowa test scores (all graduates after Jan. 1, 2013) or test scores from their own state (graduates before Jan. 1 2013), and transcripts showing the completion of a teacher preparation program and student teaching. If they do not have basic foundations of education coursework including student teaching, please call the BOEE as it is possible they may not be able to be licensed in Iowa. Additionally, due to the new testing requirements, some applicants from out-of-state may not be able to become licensed in time for the academic year.

Background Checks

The BoEE runs an FBI, DCI, and registry background check for all new licensees. Upon renewal, the BoEE runs only the registry checks, and will also check publicly available court information if the applicant discloses a conviction since his or her last renewal.
For more information on the requirements to run background checks on all school employees, please see the Department of Education background check information page.

Printed License vs. Online Search for a license

If an employee presents a printed license as verification of proper licensure, the online search should still be conducted for the following reasons:

A license may have been revoked or suspended since the last printing.

A license or endorsement may have been deemed void for other reasons, such as insufficient funds sent with an application.

Mandatory Reporting of Disciplinary Items

Iowa Code section 272.15 was amended in 2012 to require reporting of any instance of disciplinary action for conduct in any of these three areas:
(1) soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student;
(2) falsifying student grades, test scores, or other official information or material; and
(3) converting public property to the personal use of the school employee.
Disciplinary actions that trigger the reporting requirement include written reprimands, written warnings, job separation agreements, resignations, non-renewals, or terminations resulting from conduct in the three listed areas.
School officials must also report nonrenewal, termination, or resignation based on conduct that, if proven, would be a disqualifying criminal offense (certain forcible felonies and sexual offenses involving children).
When in doubt about whether an event needs to be reported to the BoEE, call Darcy Hathaway at 515.242.6506.

Starting the School Year with a Substitute Teacher

Questions have arisen regarding the rule about substitute teachers starting the school year.
282—13.16(272) Specific requirements for a substitute teacher’s license.
13.16(3) Authorization. The holder of a substitute license is authorized to teach in any school system in any position in which a regularly licensed teacher was employed to begin the school year except in the driver’s education classroom.
1. What if the teacher is out on medical leave? Can I start the school year with a substitute teacher?
Yes, the rule indicates that if a regularly licensed teacher (the one out on medical leave) is employed to begin the school year, the district may place a substitute in the room until the regular teacher returns.
2. What if a teacher quits a few days before the school year starts and I have not had time to find a suitable replacement? Can I start the school year with a substitute teacher?
The BOEE understands that last minute situations like this may arise. Thus you may proceed with your standard process of replacing the teacher and use the substitute for the short amount of time that may entail.
3. What if we have to add a new section on the first day of class due to enrollment?
This is similar to the above situation. If you need to start with a substitute teacher while proceeding quickly to hire the full teacher, the BOEE understands this dilemma.
4. What if I can’t find a teacher who is appropriately licensed for the open position? Can I start the school year with a substitute teacher?
No, you should request a Class B or administrative decision license for a teacher who is willing to complete the requirements for the particular position. This will be in the best interest of the students so they have a teacher who is completing the specific requirements for the content that is being taught.

Substitute Authorization vs. Substitute License

The holder of a substitute license has completed a teacher preparation program and has or is eligible for an Iowa teaching license. This license may be used to substitute in any classroom PK-12, including long-term subbing positions up to 90 days.
Substitute authorizations are issued to candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program. They must complete a substitute authorization course and apply for the authorization. They may serve up to 5 consecutive days and no more than 10 days in a 30-day period in one job assignment in any classroom PK-12.
An individual who holds a Paraeducator certificate, completes the substitute authorization course, and obtains the authorization may serve as a substitute only in the special education classroom in which they are employed.

Recommending new teachers for their standard license

If a teacher has completed two years of teaching on an initial license but has not met the requirements of the Iowa teaching standards to be recommended for a standard license, the BOEE requires that a school administrator report to our office the status of that applicant’s progress. This can be done without an application or fee. This communication will assist our office to proceed with the correct next-step in the event that the applicant changes districts and does not request your district to sign a conversion form. Please initiate communication with us if a candidate falls into one of the following categories:

Does not meet the Iowa teaching standards – they are recommended for a third year to work toward meeting the standards

Does not meet the Iowa teaching standards (has already had a third year) – not recommended for standard licensure.

Teach Iowa Job Posting Site www.TeachIowa.gov, sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, is a statewide teacher recruitment website with posted job vacancies from school districts and area education agencies throughout Iowa. This web-based service is provided at no cost to agencies posting jobs and to candidates seeking positions.

All public school and AEA jobs will now be posted on this comprehensive site as required by Iowa Code section 256.96. Contact Marietta Rives at the Department of Education for more information about trainings (marietta.rives@iowa.gov).

Your First Iowa Teaching License

Praxis II Testing

Do I have to take the Praxis II tests to become a licensed teacher in Iowa?

Candidates who complete their preparation programs after Jan. 1, 2013 need to pass the two Praxis II tests specifically chosen by Iowa in content and pedagogy and meet the required scores as required by the Department of Education through Iowa Code 256.16.

All out-of-country applicants (regardless of program completion date) will also need to pass both tests to verify their highly qualified status. Please see the out-of-country application to follow the appropriate steps before taking the tests.

Iowa now accepts edTPA if it was nationally scored and you meet our passing score (see required scores). This assessment may be used in lieu of Praxis II testing.

I have determined that I will need to take the Praxis II tests. Which tests do I need to take?

You will need to take one test in your content area and one test in your pedagogy area.
The specific tests and required passing scores can be found at this site: Praxis II testing requirements . You can also go to the Iowa Department of Education website (www.educateiowa.gov), click “A to Z Index”, click “P”, then “Practitioner Preparation”.

I have more than one content area. Do I need to take a test for each content area?

No – you only need to take one content area test and one pedagogy area test. If you have additional areas, you do not need to test for those.

I passed the Praxis II tests in my state, but my tests have different test numbers. Can I just use those scores instead?

No – you need to pass the approved Praxis II tests chosen for the State of Iowa.

I did not pass one of my tests. Can I retake the test?

Yes – you can retake the Praxis tests as many times as necessary. You will need to pass the tests before applying for licensure.

Can I receive provisional licensure while I work on passing these tests?

No – temporary or provisional licensure will not be issued. You will need to pass the tests before applying for licensure.

You may apply for a substitute authorization if you have graduated but are waiting on passing test scores. This authorization is limited to short-term assignments at the secondary level only.

I would like to send my scores to the BOEE straight from ETS. What is the Praxis code number for your organization?

7250. If you are an Iowa graduate, you should have the scores sent to your college. If you are coming in from out-of-state, you should send the scores to yourself and send us a photocopy with your application for licensure.

Background Checks

All new applicants are required to complete a background check including fingerprints. If you already hold a license with us such as a coaching authorization, you may not need to complete this depending on when the authorization was issued. Additional information and packet ordering

Iowa Graduates

Iowa colleges will recommend their graduates for licensure once all of the requirements have been met. Licenses will be issued within 48 hours after we receive the recommendation if fees have been paid and the background check has cleared.

Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-State applicants must obtain licensure in their state (or have an application in process), complete the required Praxis II tests (2013 graduates or beyond), obtain an institutional statement, official transcripts showing the conferred degree, and the required background check. Please see the application checklist for more information.

Teacher Intern License

Information about the teacher intern program may be found here: http://www.boee.iowa.gov/tilal.html
If you are a participant in an Iowa-approved teacher intern program, your program coordinator will recommend you for your intern license once you have met the program requirements. You will also need to complete a background check unless you already hold a license with us such as a substitute authorization. The intern license is valid for one year and you may use it to teach or substitute teach at the 7-12 level. No conditional licenses are available for the intern license.

Converting from an initial to standard teaching license (also initial to standard PSL)
To convert to the standard license, you will need to teach for two years in an Iowa public school or three years in any combination of public, accredited private or out-of-state schools. Iowa public school teachers will participate in the mentoring and induction program and meet the Iowa teaching standards. You must be teaching within your endorsement areas (or have conditional licensure) in order for the experience to be validated. Any credits you have taken during the term of your initial license may not be used for future standard or master educator renewals.
Once you have met the experience requirement, your evaluator will need to recommend you for one of the following:
1. recommend for the standard license; or
2. a third year of mentoring and induction to meet the standards; or
3. affirmatively NOT recommend the teacher for a standard license.
If you are teaching in Iowa, your license must remain valid. If it expires before you have enough experience, you may apply for an extension. You may also renew your license twice if you have not met the experience requirement; the second renewal requires proof of employment.

Renewing your Iowa Teaching License
All renewals require a certificate verifying the completion of the child and dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training. If the certificate says just child abuse, or just says adult abuse, it will not be accepted.

Initial License

You may renew your license twice if you have not met the experience requirement; the second renewal requires proof of employment. No credits are required to renew this license. You must submit a certificate verifying the completion of the child and dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training along with the application. You may extend your license for one year if you need one more year to meet the experience requirement.

Standard License

Six credits, completed during the term of the standard license (after issue date and before expiration date, or no more than five years old if the license is expired), are required to renew the Standard License. Credits earned during the term of the initial license will not be accepted. CEU CREDITS OR CLOCK HOURS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. In addition to the six credits, you must also submit a certificate verifying the completion of the child and dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training. Points toward two credits may be earned through the supervision of student teachers and practicum students. One credit may be earned (limit of one per renewal cycle) through the successful completion of an individualized professional development plan. See the application for more details.

Conversion from the Standard to the Master Educator License

You must meet all of the renewal requirements for the standard license, provide transcripts showing a Master’s degree in education or a content area from a regionally-accredited institution, and verify at least five years of teaching experience.

Master Educator License

Four credits, completed during the term of the license (after issue date and before expiration date, or no more than five years old if the license is expired), are required to renew the Master Educator License. CEU CREDITS OR CLOCK HOURS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. In addition to the four credits, you must also submit a certificate verifying the completion of the child and dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training. Points toward two credits may be earned through the supervision of student teachers and practicum students. One credit may be earned (limit of one per renewal cycle) through the successful completion of an individualized professional development plan. See the application for more details.For these and other types of licenses, please see the appropriate application form for instructions.

Conditional Licensure and Adding Endorsements

Class B and Administrative Decision licenses

The teacher’s main license must remain valid in order for a conditional license to be valid.

The Class B License is valid for two school years and may be issued under the following conditions:

The person is the holder of a valid Iowa license with one or more endorsements

Is seeking to obtain some other endorsement

The employer requests the Class B be issued

The individual seeking this endorsement has completed at least two-thirds of the requirements or one-half in a shortage area.

The Administrative Decision License is valid for one school year and may be issued under the following conditions:

The person is the holder of a valid Iowa license with one or more endorsements

Is seeking to obtain some other endorsement

The employer requests the Administrative Decision license be issued

The employer verifies the diligent search to find a fully licensed teacher for the position

The individual seeking this endorsement is not eligible for the Class B license

Anyone who is asked to teach in an area for which the person does not hold the endorsement must apply for the Class B License or the Administrative Decision License.

The instructor must hold an endorsement applicable for the grade level of instruction if supervising or overseeing on-line or multiple subject credit recovery programs.
A teacher who is responsible for the direct instruction of content (Math, Science, Language Arts etc) is required to hold the proper endorsement for the content being taught at the appropriate grade level.

Algebra for HS Credit

The 5-12 Math endorsement is required for all math courses given for HS credit, with the exception of Algebra taught at the middle school for HS credit. The BoEE has created a “5-8 Algebra for HS Credit” endorsement. This endorsement requires that the teacher hold either the K-8 mathematics or middle school mathematics endorsement and complete a college algebra or linear algebra class.

Foreign Languages

Foreign languages should be taught by instructors with the proper endorsement. If a district cannot find a properly licensed teacher, but they have a native language speaker willing to teach that language, the candidate may apply for a Preliminary Native Language Teacher authorization. Candidates will need to have a baccalaureate degree, pass Praxis II in their language, complete a background check and application for licensure, and complete a series of pedagogy courses during the term of the three-year authorization.

Project Lead the Way

HS instructors must complete PLTW training and be endorsed in either 5-12 industrial technology, 5-12 mathematics, or hold any 5-12 science endorsement. Middle school/Jr. high instructors must complete the PLTW training and be licensed in any subject at the grade level.

Reading

First, the school district needs to determine the content of the course.

Is this a Chapter I/Title I reading class? If so, the reading endorsement is required.

Is this a literature class? Is an anthology being used? If so, a person who holds an English endorsement may teach this language arts class. Many courses are called “reading” even though they are language arts or literature based courses. If it a reading skills class and not a literature-based class, then the reading endorsement is required.

What if the reading skills class is in a departmentalized setting? If the person holds a K-6 general elementary classroom teaching endorsement, the person can teach the reading skills class in a departmentalized setting through the 6th grade. If the reading skills class is in the 7th or 8th grade, then the person would have to hold the reading endorsement.

Is this class a free reading class and not a class in remediation or skill building? If the students receive credit for the class, the teacher must hold the English or reading endorsement. If the class is an exploratory or a class without a credit, then any licensed teacher may teach this class as long as the teacher holds an endorsement for the level of student.

Is this class a Second Chance Reading class? Has the person completed the Second Chance Reading instruction? The Second Chance Reading preparation is sufficient to teach the course if the students are not awarded credit for the class. If the students are awarded reading credit, then the teacher must also hold the reading endorsement.

If a special education teacher is responsible for the reading skills class, he or she needs to have a reading endorsement or team teach with an appropriately licensed teacher.

Yearbook

If offered for credit, the teacher must hold a journalism endorsement. If a district wants to offer the yearbook class for a different type of credit such as English, Technology, Art, or Business, the district will need to provide information to the DE school improvement consultants verifying how the content standards and benchmarks are met through the yearbook class. If the information is accepted by the school improvement consultants, then the school district will be informed of the specific SCED code to use on BEDS.

Current Special Education Endorsements 100 PK – 3 Teacher Including Special Education: Authorized to teach children from birth through grade three, including special education.

260 K-8 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate: Authorized to provide instruction in all K–8 mild and moderate instructional special education programs without regard to the instructional model.

261 5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate: Authorized to provide instruction in all 5-12 mild and moderate instructional special education programs without regard to the instructional model.

262 PK-K Early Childhood Special Education: Authorized to provide instruction at the PK–K level only for instructional special education programs without regard to the instructional model.

263 K-12 Instructional Strategist II Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities: Severe: Authorized to provide instruction in programs serving students diagnosed with behavior disorders and learning disabilities from age 5 to age 21.

264 K-12 Instructional Strategist II Mental Disabilities: Severe: Authorized to provide instruction in programs serving students diagnosed with mental disabilities from age 5 to age 21.

265 K-12 Instructional Strategist II Physically Handicapped: Severe: Authorized to provide instruction in programs serving students diagnosed with physical disabilities from age 5 to age 21.

266 Birth-21 Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Authorized to provide instruction in programs serving students with hearing loss from birth to age 21. HB_01.15.13.doc 16 of 53

267 Birth-21 Visually Impaired: Authorized to provide instruction in programs serving students with hearing loss from birth to age 21.

EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Many special education support staff employed by Area Education Agencies and School Districts require licensure or recognition through the Board of Educational Examiners. Although some may be issued an Educational License with an endorsement in a specific area, others require a Statement of Professional Recognition . A Statement of Professional Recognition requires an individual to be licensed through another licensing board (Department of Public Health), hold the required degree, and meet Human Relations and Exceptional Learners requirements as listed for each specific field.
Beginning August 2009, all Statement of Professional Recognitions will be required to be renewed every five years. Renewal will require verification of updated license through each licensing board, verification of Child Adult Dependent Abuse certification, and a background check ran through the Iowa electronic databases.

BOEE License only:
Special education consultant
Work experience coordination
Professional service administrators
School psychologist
Director of special education

BOEE Licensure or Statement of Professional Recognition:
School audiologist.
School social worker.
Speech–language pathologist.

Statement of Professional Recognition only:
School occupational therapist.
School physical therapist.
Special education nurse.
For specific requirements, please refer to the following links on our website:

Career and Technical Licenses
A Provisional Career and Technical License may be issued to candidates who have at least 6000 hours of confirmed work experience in a career and technical area such as welding, auto mechanics, carpentry, agriculture, to name a few. Candidates need to be supported by the hiring district for this license, and they will need to take additional credit hours in education pedagogy during their first five years of teaching to maintain this license.

Coaching
All coaches, even volunteers, need to be properly licensed. There are two ways to become properly licensed for coaching.Coaching Endorsement
Licensed teachers can add a coaching endorsement to their teaching license by taking the required coursework for college credit. If a teacher has not completed the coursework, they may apply for a Class B conditional license for coaching while they work toward completing the coursework. Teachers may also choose the coaching authorization option.Coaching Authorization
Coaches who do not hold a teaching license must fully complete the coursework for a coaching authorization through an approved coaching authorization program. Once the courses are complete, the applicant must submit an application, transcripts, concussion training certificate, fees, and background check materials. If the application is complete and we are only waiting for the FBI background check to clear, a district administrator may send in a request for a temporary permit.
Click to determine your pathway to become a coach.
Additional Questions - call Steve Mitchell, Coaching Licensure Consultant, at 515.281.6896.

BoEE Board processes

Complaint Process

TWELVE STEP COMPLAINT PROCESS
1. Contact BOEE office and request complaint form
2. Review IAC chapters 11 and 25 sent with complaint form and locate violations of Code of Conduct and Ethics
3. Fill out complaint form and return to BOEE office with supporting documents
4. Complaint received and reviewed by Executive Director for jurisdictional requirements
5. If case is accepted, then investigation conducted
6. Board reviews investigator’s report
7. Board decides to dismiss complaint or moves the complaint forward for a hearing
8. Hearing conducted or settlement reached between respondent and Iowa Attorney General's Office. Any settlement is subject to approval by the board.
9. Board considers proposed decision
10. If Board adopts proposed decision and no appeal, this becomes the final decision
11. If there is an appeal made or the Board reviews the proposed decision, briefs are submitted
12. The Board considers the briefs and makes the final decisionIMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR COMPLAINT Who is Eligible to File a Complaint?

Licensed practitioners

Recognized educational entities or local or state professional organizations.

Local boards of education.

c. Parents or guardians of students involved in the alleged complaint.

e. The Department of Transportation, if the licensee holds a behind-the-wheel instructor’s certification issued by the department and the complaint relates to an incident or incidents arising during the course of driver’s education instruction.

f. An employee of the Department of Education who, in the course of his or her official duties, becomes aware of an ethical violation.

The following factors will be considered by the Board in determining whether it has jurisdiction over the complaint:

• The case must relate to alleged violation of standards of professional ethics and practices.
• The complainant must have personal knowledge of the alleged violation.
• The magnitude of the alleged violation must be adequate to warrant a hearing by the board.
• There must be sufficient evidence to support the complaint.

Statutory Provision Governing the Complaint Process

Iowa Code Section 272.2(15) requires:
1. specificity in written complaints that are filed by individuals who have personal knowledge of an alleged violation and which are accepted by the Board, and

2. sufficient information on the face of the complaint to meet the jurisdictional requirements within the Board's rules, and

3. that the conduct providing the basis for the complaint must have occurred within three years of discovery of the event by complainant unless good cause can be shown for an extension of this limitation.

**IF YOU ARE FILING A COMPLAINT THAT INVOLVES MORE THAN ONE PERSON (RESPONDENT), YOU MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT FORM FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL.*